New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-02-20
UNITING TWO BAPTIST CHURCHES.
CHANGES In TIE BAPTIST TABERNACLE.

CHANGES IN LIE BAl ihD'S-'<h'-'>-N'
WHAT DIR. u. G. POTTER HAS hCC"MPLisHED IN
SEVENTEEN YEARS WORK.
seryices have been held in the Baptist Tabernacle NJ
secoDdayc and Ecventhsf under the direction OF tue
the nastor Rev Dr. d. g. Potter to commemorate the re-
organization of that church The services began Sunday
February 6, and closed Wednesday evening. Tho
Rev. Drs. Armitage, Elder. Brdgman and other we'll
known ministers have taken part In these services ana
Sunday night addresses made By j. A. BoswlcK,
John d. Rockefeller b. +. Judson and L. II. BELOW
IL Is said that Mr. Bostwick AMI Mr.. Rockefeller VINO
have aided many of the most important Baptist efforts
in the country within a few years. and who are we'll
known in connection with the Standard OIL Company,
have contributed largely tn bring about the consolidation
the sixth Street Baptist Church with the laperhaee
The changes that have been made and arc to he made III
these two churches will involve cost or more IMAM
100000.
The Baptst Tabernacle was for quarter of century
one of the leading Baptist churches In the United STATES
Before tho Rebellion 1t had become known as one OF The
handsomest churches in the city, situated among the
finest houses OF New York the East Side Dr. Edward
Iathrop was one of its bestknown pastors and during
the war was jealous his support OF the North IL was
said that looking down from his pulpit through the cen
ire AISLE he spoke to congregation several OF whom
represented more than S25O0OOO0 Since then the con-
gregaon moved to other churches with the DRIFT OF
population second-ave and the neghhorhood are still
among the most arisocrac quarters in New-York; but
for twenty years the Tabernacle has constantly changed
t. pastors the membership has been growing smaller Ia
the old church. until 1t decided to sell the property
An offer of 800 900 received from Jewish conSre
CATION who desired to the building for
their synagogue. This intention was changed last
year, when DIR. Potter, OF the Sixth street
Baptist Church. became pastor Of the Tabernacle. The
two congregations united, and with the all OF
prominent Baptiss, the interior OF the Tabernacle has
bee modelled and has of the most beautiful
In Ynrk with atom that mis-
every pew as 1t filed thirty years ago The work
was only finished week last Sund ~ was the first
Sunday which the church was opened to the new con-
me new pastor is still young with bright dark
and quiet. determined energy OF Ms own re Is
the general public In tho city Among the tenement
aousss and 'k populated pns square an e So min
lister is better known than Priest" Potter ms he -
S s6Is y BE sss W Of
the begin systematic effort among the poor IN
Sixth street Church between Avenues and G. on leav
ing college, when that church after ourishing Tor nearly
cleaned or repaired nearly twenty years and only
handful Of it's old members were left IL was originally
when the dry dock and shipbuildng interests hoursed
on the East River Now the tall tenement houses around
brews After few years the pastor found that his work
question OF time and new methods In this neigh
started in the little church a kindergarten for
young and women In which stenocraphy.
book keeping and later type writing taught he
rooms for and Ten years ago he had re-es-
abished hourtshing self supporting congregation In
the sixth street Church. when the hard times following
financial panic scattered nearly all his work Be
ginning again. he restored the membership until II was
stronger than ever and began to be too large Tor the
building.
Ills success attracted other ministers to this work
The Rev. samuel Altman, after several years So
cured the Emanuel Church. In Norfolk 81 and
on the West side DIR. Edward r. Jadson has
One of DR. Potters friends referring to his work. said
that he the real pioneer AMI originator OF the INST
work OF half life time Through his industrial classes
Dr. Potter has secured positions a Tor more r Than 2CCo
school, has established music classes that have aided
paish several anda arr employed
In secondave he has opened Home for Young women
plan intended in A. T. Stewards hotel on Fourth
II provides pleasant home for about sixty your
women, who are employed In The cay. al a cost /,
for them. For the children Of the sunday school the
yided home or then TO pass several weeks Ia in
years ago Dr. Potter expected 10 secure property
several other places were negotiated for The funds
Forthcoming AMI he had at last determined to
rebuild the sixth Street Church. when the proposition
made 10 unite his congregation with what remained
Of the Iabernace; THIS being accomplished. the o,d
begin this week. II will he branch church OF the
Tabernacle, under Dr. Pocrs supervision ana In charge
OF an assistant pastor he interior will be entirely
rebuilt The basement will contain comfortable reading
ing rooms sehoolrooms, diSpcnsary ana bathroom
thrown into the church by means of sing do3ra The
whole Will seat LOCO persons sunday school classes
will the chapel and the sexton will have rooms in tie
OF the church This work IA 10 be finished la May at
O cost of about $4,000.
The Tabernacle in Secondave Is TO be the centre of Dr.
Pottes work The church front Ia be removed and re
further out the sidewalk, Ia utilize the additional
space Property has been obtained the church for
additional school rooms and church offices,
and plans are TO be made and work
Degun IN the spring. Colgate Chapel Ia East Twentieth
ST.. between First and secoud aves Is branch of the
Tabernacle and Is extension OF Dr. Poters work up
town. 1t has large Sunday school and swedish
gregation The Tabernacle itself has OF the largest
Chinese schools in the city The work OF The church Is
cOnduo ted among "a dozen different nationaitics.
at Is not simply charity" Dr. Potter said. One
principle OF our plan Is t0 have those we reach pay some
thing for what they receive matter how little II may
be; and another IL TO give with religion something OF
practical value TO those VIC help. We have succeeded
through hard aud persistent work and the assistance Of
kind friends do not think there is need OF any
efforts in the city below Fourteenth st. great deal has
been done within two three years, and great deal
remains to be done but all can be accomplished by The
facilities that the different denominations have here. All
that Is needed Is plenty Of life and hard work"